Mideast Security Must Not Be Built on Hatred, Say Leaders of Abrahamic Faiths

Rome: The leaders of the three Abrahamic religions in Italy-Judaism, Christianity, and Islam-have jointly declared that Middle East security must not be predicated on hatred. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Noemi Di Segni, President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, and Imam Yahya Pallavicini, President and Imam of the COREIS Italian Islamic Religious Community, emphasized that a peaceful resolution can only be achieved through mutual recognition.

According to Ansa News Agency, the leaders stated, “Justice for the Palestinian people, like security for the Israeli people, can only be achieved through mutual recognition.” They expressed the necessity of denouncing propaganda that fosters division and degrades the essence of humanity, which can lead to antisemitism, Islamophobia, and aversion to Catholic Christianity.

In a call to action, the religious leaders proposed an immediate meeting in Italy among bishops, rabbis, and imams. This gathering aims to be a simple, direct encounter that transcends denominational boundaries. The objective is to jointly uphold a sense of responsibility that conveys a genuine message of peace, hope, and brotherhood among the descendants of Abraham.

The leaders expressed hope that this initiative would inspire their religious communities to promote activities at both local and national levels. These efforts would aim to recognize and combat the seeds of hatred that threaten to cause devastation. The appeal concluded with a commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation among different faiths.